Clot retraction
Clot Retraction
Clot retraction (pronunciation: /klɒt rɪˈtrækʃən/) is a physiological process that occurs after the formation of a blood clot, leading to the shrinkage of the clot over time.
Etymology
The term 'clot retraction' is derived from the English words 'clot', which refers to a mass of coagulated blood, and 'retraction', which means the action of drawing something back or back in.
Process
The process of clot retraction involves the platelets within the clot contracting and pulling on the fibrin strands, causing the clot to shrink and become denser. This process is facilitated by the protein thrombospondin, which is released by the platelets and binds to the fibrin strands, enhancing the retraction process.
Significance
Clot retraction plays a crucial role in hemostasis, the process that stops bleeding after a blood vessel is injured. It helps to reduce the size of the clot and bring the edges of the damaged vessel closer together, promoting wound healing. It also helps to compact the clot, making it more resistant to mechanical stress and less likely to break apart.
Related Terms
- Hemostasis: The process that stops bleeding after a blood vessel is injured.
- Platelets: Small blood cells that help your body form clots to stop bleeding.
- Fibrin: A protein that forms a network of fibers during the clotting process to trap and hold platelets, blood cells and plasma.
- Thrombospondin: A protein released by platelets that binds to fibrin strands, enhancing the clot retraction process.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Clot retraction
- Wikipedia's article - Clot retraction
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